The UAE's Ministry of Health, World Health Organisation and the Council of Health Ministers for the GCC today met to formulate a strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health.

With 78% of males and 86% of females failing to carry out sufficient levels of exercise, and obesity levels in the UAE greater than the United States of America – a country known for its long-term battle with obesity – the forum seeks to address the issue and formulate a regional and GCC-wide strategy in-line with International standards.

Dr Huda al Suwaidi, Consultant Family Medicine, Ministry of Health comments, “The burden of disease is shifting from infectious conditions to non-communicable diseases. Bad diet and a lack of physical exercise are risk factors for a wide range of health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and of course obesity.”

Held at the Renaissance Hotel, Dubai, and sponsored by Benefiber, the workshop will run from 5-7 March and will feature a range of eminent speakers, including; Dr Timothy Armstrong and Dr Christophe Roy, WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO); Dr Vicky Lankenau, Council of Health Ministers for the GCC; and Dr Miriam Mater, Assistance Undersecretary for Public Health and Primary Healthcare, Ministry of Health.

The rationale for prevention is high; of the 5434 deaths registered in the UAE in 2000, 25.4% were due to cardiovascular disease, with the prevailing contributing factors our sedentary lifestyles and faulty eating habits. Dr al Suwaidi continues, “The private and commercial sector have to help us educate the community; they have to help us, help the people.”

“To combat this epidemic, focus on healthy, balanced diet and exercise is imperative.” Samah Manzalawi, Benefiber Brand Manager and event sponsor adds, “Due to the lifestyles most of us lead nowadays, we find it difficult to follow healthy diets, leading to the problems mentioned by Dr Huda. Adding supplements such as Benefiber to our daily routine would at least ensure we take in the right amount of daily fiber required by our bodies, particularly since most of us find it difficult to reach these levels with diet alone.”

Benefiber is a 100% natural fiber supplement that gently regulates bowel movement and helps maintain healthy digestion. It’s available as ready-to-drink sachets with a delicious green apple flavour, or as a taste-free, grit-free powder that can be added to any food or beverage (excluding carbonated soft drinks) without changing its taste or texture.